Marigold Garden

CHILD'S SONG

 
The King and the Queen were riding
Upon a Summer's day,
And a Blackbird flew above them,
To hear what they did say.
 
 
The King said he liked apples,
The Queen said she liked pears.
And what shall we do to the Blackbird
Who listens unawares.
 

MISS MOLLY AND THE LITTLE FISHES

 
Oh, sweet Miss Molly,
You're so fond
Of Fishes in a little Pond.
And perhaps they're glad
To see you stare
With such bright eyes
Upon them there.
And when your fingers and your thumbs
Drop slowly in the small white crumbs
I hope they're happy. Only this—
When you've looked long enough, sweet miss.
Then, most beneficent young giver,
Restore them to their native river.
 

THE LITTLE JUMPING GIRLS

 
Jump—jump—jump—
Jump away
From this town into
The next, to-day.
 
 
Jump—jump—jump—
Jump over the moon;
Jump all the morning,
And all the noon.
 
 
Jump—jump—jump—
Jump all night;
Won't our mothers
Be in a fright?
 
 
Jump—jump—jump—
Over the sea;
What wonderful wonders
We shall see.
 
 
Jump—jump—jump—
And leave behind
Everything evil
That we may find.
 
 
Jump—jump—jump—
Jump far away;
And all come home
Some other day.
 

RING-A-RING

 
Ring-a-ring of little boys.
Ring-a-ring of girls;
All around—all around,
Twists and twirls.
 
 
You are merry children;
"Yes, we are."
Where do you come from?
"Not very far.
 
 
"We live in the mountain,
We live in the tree;
And I live in the river-bed,
And you won't catch me!"
 

ON THE BRIDGE

 
If I could see a little fish—
That is what I just now wish!
I want to see his great round eyes
Always open in surprise.
 
 
I wish a water rat would glide
Slowly to the other side;
Or a dancing spider sit
On the yellow flags a bit.
 
 
I think I'll get some stones to throw,
And watch the pretty circles show.
Or shall we sail a flower-boat,
And watch it slowly—slowly float?
 
 
That's nice—because you never know
How far away it means to go;
And when to-morrow comes, you see,
It may be in the great wide sea.
 

BALL

 
One—two, is one to you:
One—two—three, is one to me.
Throw it fast or not at all,
And mind you do not let it fall.
Fairy Blue Eyes
And Fairy Brown,
And dear little Golden Curls,
Look down.
I say "Good-bye"—
"Good-bye" with no pain—
Till some happy day
We meet again!